Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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METHOD FOR PRODUCING A TAMPON
The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a tampon,
including the
following steps:
i) positioning of a strip made from a nonwoven material on a strip
made from an
absorbent material so that a part of the strip made from nonwoven material
protrudes
over the narrow side of the strip made from absorbent material,
ii) connecting the strip made from nonwoven material to the strip made from
absorbent
material,
iii) situating an extraction means at the strip made from absorbent material,
iv) rolling up the strip made from absorbent material and the strip made from
nonwoven
material into a roll, in which the strip made from nonwoven material covers a
section
of the lateral shell surface of the roll,
v) connecting the protruding part of the strip made from nonwoven material to
a section
of the strip made from nonwoven material connected to the strip made from
absorbent
material.
Furthermore, the present invention relates to a tampon having at least one
absorbent body
made from an absorbent material, the tampon having a proximal end and a distal
end and a
middle part extending between the distal end and the proximal end, and having
an extraction
means connected to the absorbent body and situated at the distal end.
In known tampons manufactured from a rolled strip made from absorbent
material, an
undesired detaching of fibers of the absorbent material at an extraction end
may result during
use despite the compaction of the material; this is in particular the case,
when detaching the
extraction means from the distal end by fingers. Since the tampon is wound up
during the
manufacture, there is also the danger that conventional tampons after their
use or during
removal (pulling at the string) "telescope" out of the body, as it is
illustrated in Figure 1, and
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in many cases parts of the strip made from absorbent material, for example
cotton, may
remain in the body.
From EP1677722B1 a tampon is known, in which a greater part of the tampon is
provided
with a sleeve made from a hydrophobic or watertight material. This, however,
has the
disadvantage of a reduced fluid intake. In other tampons, it is additionally
disadvantageous
that they have a smaller pass-through time for fluid, meaning the time until a
drop of the fluid
discharges at the distal end when saturating a tampon with a fluid. This pass-
through time, for
example, may be determined with the aid of a measuring procedure according to
the EDANA
Standard Test WSP 350.1.R3(12).
For this reason, it is the object of the present invention, to overcome the
disadvantages of the
prior art mentioned above and to increase the pass-through time for fluid
through a tampon.
According to the present invention, this object is achieved by a method of the
type mentioned
at the outset in that, in step i), the strip made from nonwoven material is
positioned in such a
manner that it also protrudes over a longitudinal edge of the strip made from
absorbent
material, a section of the strip made from nonwoven material protruding over
the longitudinal
edge of the strip made from absorbent material being selected to be of such
size that an end
face of the roll is completely coverable by the protruding part, and, in a
step following step
iv), a distal end of the roll, from which the extraction means projects, is,
with the exception of
one pass-through opening for the extraction means, completely covered by the
protruding
section of the nonwoven material, and the protruding section of the nonwoven
material is
connected to form a closed sleeve completely covering, with the exception of
the pass-
through opening, the distal end, the nonwoven material having a weight per
unit area of at
least 6 g/m2, in particular between 12 and 30 g/m2, or that, instead of the
nonwoven material, a
fluid pervious foil made from plastic material is used.
At this point, it shall be noted that, after producing the roll and the
sleeve, further steps known
per se, for example compressing and pressing with the aid of a press, may
follow for the
manufacture of the tampon.
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The solution according to the present invention allows to completely cover the
end at which
the extraction means is situated by a nonwoven material. In so doing, it is
efficiently inhibited
that the wound-up tampon telescopes or pulls apart or that the tampon loses
fibers.
Furthermore, a protection against fluid leakage is implemented at the distal
end. The leakage
protection enables to retain the fluid much longer in the tampon than not
having a leakage
protection. In this way, for example when saturating the tampon by a fluid,
the time until the
fluid discharges at the distal end is increased by at least 3% vis-a-vis a
similar tampon not
having a covering. In this instance, EDANA Standard Test WSP 350.1.R3(12) is
here
preferably used as a measuring method.
Within the present context, a nonwoven material, also referred to as a
nonwoven, is
understood as a planar textile material, which is produced by applying at
least one adhesive
onto a fiber mixture or onto a fiber nonwoven made from synthetic and/or
natural fibers and
by subsequent drying. It is however characterizing for a nonwoven material
that the adhesive
binds the fibers in the nonwoven material. The nonwoven material is impervious
to fibers of
the material, from which the absorbent body of the tampon is produced, and it
may
furthermore be configured in a fluid pervious manner but also in a watertight
manner. For
example, the nonwoven material may also have the shape of a net or a
perforated foil. It shall
also be noted at this point that the term nonwoven material is used as a
synonym for the term
nonwoven.
It is advantageous if the absorbent (fibrous) material is formed by one or a
plurality of
materials, for example, rayon, cotton, cellulose wadding, tissue laminates,
sphagnum, bamboo
or chemically enhanced, modified or cross-linked cellulose fibers. This
fibrous material has a
high hygroscopicity and enables the adhesion of large quantities of fluids to
the outside of the
fibers and is biologically neutral. It is however also possible to use
absorbent (fibrous)
materials, which are formed from one or a plurality of the subsequent,
synthetic materials, for
example, polyester fibers, polyolefin fibers, foamed materials, absorbent
sponges, absorbent
polymers, capillary channel fibers, synthetic fibers, predominately open-
celled flexible
polyurethane foam or fibers, or threads made from rayon or formed from a
structure type of
crystalline modification of cellulose II.
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The length of the tampon, for example, may be between 40 mm to 70 mm and have
a
diameter greater than 11 mm. However, the tampon may also be configured, in
particular for
the days between the menstrual periods, to have a volume of the absorbent
material for the
intake of a fluid quantity between 0.5 g and 4 g, preferably 3.5 g, and the
absorbent body may
have a length of less than 40 mm, preferably have a length between 40 and lOmm
or between
38 and 30 mm.
It is also advantageous if at least the middle part of the absorbent body or
an enveloping body
enveloping the middle part is cylindrically configured, as a result of which a
uniform
abutment of the mucous membranes of the vagina may be achieved.
However, it may also be advantageous if at least the middle part of the
absorbent body or an
enveloping body enveloping the middle part is configured cylindrically or
frustoconically
because, in so doing, the insertion of the everyday tampon or tampons may be
facilitated.
According to another further refinement, it is provided that the cone or the
frustum
continuously extends from the proximal end to the distal end, and, as a result
of which the
extraction of the everyday tampon or tampon may be facilitated.
Furthermore, it is however also possible that a core region made from fibrous
material is
situated at least within the middle part of the absorbent body, which is
configured to absorb a
smaller fluid quantity for the same volume than the material of the absorbent
body. In so
doing, the absorption effect or the extent of the fluid intake may, despite
the desired greater
diameter of the tampon necessary regarding different anatomical features, be
more easily
adapted, in particular in the absorbent body, to the needed dimensions.
Furthermore, it is however also possible that a core region made from fibrous
material is
situated at least within the middle part of the absorbent body, which is
configured to absorb a
smaller fluid quantity for the same volume than the material of the absorbent
body, or which
is water-repellent. For this reason, the quantity of fluid to subsequently be
absorbed may be
specified by the design and the volume of the absorbent body.
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The tampon, which may be manufactured in different colors, may have markings
at its
surface. Also, the tampon may be manufactured using a chemical indicator,
which changes
color for specific illnesses, for example, anemia, diabetes, hepatitis A, B or
C and HIV.
An additional improvement may be achieved in that the tampon and/or the
absorbent body has
a length of less than 40 mm, preferably a length between 40 and 10 mm or
between 38 and 30
mm, as a result of which the expansion and the pressure of the tampon against
the uterus is
also reduced and, for this reason, a sealing and damming of the outlet orifice
of the uterus,
which can be significantly discomforting, is prevented.
Furthermore, an embodiment is also possible, in which the absorbent body over
its total
volume is formed from an absorbent material, as a result of which the
measurements of the
diameter and the quantity of the absorbable fluid may be optimized.
According to a further, advantageous further refinement, it is provided that
the absorbent
material is formed from a fibrous material, as a result of which the droplets
of the fluid may
adhere to the individual fibers and a high absorbability of the absorbent body
of an everyday
tampon or a tampon is achieved.
Advantageous is however also if the absorbent material is formed from a
compressed, fibrous
material, because the handling of the tampon, in particular inserting and
removing the
tampon, is thereby facilitated.
A further advantageous further refinement provides that the absorbent body is
provided with
recesses or grooves extending in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent
body, and/or that
the recesses or grooves extend in the direction of the longitudinal center
axis of the absorbent
body in a wave-shaped manner, preferably extending at a consistent height of
the amplitude,
as a result of which the surface of the tampon is enlarged. For example, an
increased
absorption of bodily fluid is thereby possible, because the body may discharge
different
quantities of bodily fluid between successive menstrual periods. Also, these
grooves are
advantageous for the use of insertion aids for the everyday tampon or tampon.
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An even greater surface for the absorption of fluids may be achieved in that
the grooves or
recesses extend in a spiral-shaped or helical manner.
A further advantage is achieved in that a plurality of grooves or recesses are
disposed in the
circumferential direction distributed over the absorbent body. In so doing,
the surface of the
tampon is also enlarged, which results in an increased absorption of bodily
fluid, because the
body may discharge different quantities of bodily fluid between successive
menstrual periods.
Women who have an increased discharge are provided with an increased hygiene
than is
provided by a pantyliner. Also, these grooves are advantageous for the use of
insertion aids
for an everyday tampon or tampon. The grooves may be produced by pressing the
roll in a
tampon press.
According to one advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it may be
provided that
the distal end of the roll, from which the extraction means projects, is
covered by the
protruding section of the nonwoven material when the extraction means is
elongated. This
embodiment ensures that the extraction means is positioned outside of the
sleeve made from
nonwoven material and that it does not impede the production of the sleeve
while covering the
distal end by the protruding section.
An advantageous further refinement of the present invention is provided in
that a
circumferential edge region of the protruding section of the strip made from
nonwoven
material is bent in the direction towards the extraction means for generating
the closed sleeve,
and sections of the protruding section touching one another are connected to
one another.
According to a further variation of the present invention, it may also be
provided that the
protruding section of the strip made from nonwoven material is, for generating
the closed
sleeve, connected to a section of the strip made from nonwoven material, which
covers the
lateral shell surface.
According to a preferred embodiment, the protruding section of the strip made
from
nonwoven material is connected to the sleeve by welding. Alternatively to
welding, other
connection methods, for example, adhesive bonding, sewing, etc., may also be
used.
I
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Advantageously, the strip made from absorbent material may have a length, the
size of which
stemming from a value range in which the lower limit is 150 mm and the upper
limit is 400
mm, the strip made from nonwoven material having a length, the size of which
stemming
from a value range in which the lower limit is 50 mm and the upper limit is
250 mm, and the
strip made from nonwoven material in step i) is positioned in such a way that
it protrudes over
the longitudinal edge of the strip made from absorbent material by a length
which is
substantially equal to a radius or diameter of the roll produced in step iv).
Moreover, it may be provided that the width of the strip made from nonwoven
material is
greater than the width of the strip made from absorbent material, the strip
made from
nonwoven material in step i) being positioned on the strip made from absorbent
material in
such a manner that the strip made from nonwoven material covers at least three
quarters of the
width of the strip made from absorbent material. In this embodiment of the
present invention,
the nonwoven material extends over a large portion of the lateral shell
surface of the roll. In
this manner, it can be ensured that a friction between the mucous membranes of
the vagina
and the outer surface of the tampon is reduced and a loss of fibers at least
in the middle part of
the tampon may also be efficiently prevented. Of course, the strip made from
nonwoven
material may also extend over the total width of the strip made from absorbent
material, so
that the tampon is completely enclosed by the nonwoven material.
According to an advantageous variation of the present invention, it may be
provided that the
distal end of the tampon may be coated by a watertight or hydrophobic coating.
A further advantageous embodiment of the present invention is provided in that
the distal end
of the tampon is provided with a covering made from a watertight or
hydrophobic material.
According to the present invention, the aforementioned object may however also
be achieved
by a tampon of the type mentioned at the outset in that the tampon has a
covering in the form
of a closed sleeve, made from nonwoven material having a weight per unit area
of at least 6
g/m2, in particular between 12 and 30 g/m2, which, with the exception of a
pass-through
opening for the extraction means, completely covers at least the distal end,
or it has a fluid
pervious foil, which prevents the escaping of fibers at the distal end, and
the covering
additionally forming a protection against fluid leakage.
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The distal end of the tampon may be protected against undesired fluid entry in
that the distal
end of the tampon has a watertight or hydrophobic coating.
Moreover, the distal end of the tampon may have a covering made from a
watertight or
hydrophobic material.
For a better understanding of the present invention, this covering is
explained in greater detail
on the basis of the subsequent figures.
In respectively greatly simplified illustrations,
Fig. 1 shows a conventional, rolled tampon telescoping when pulling at the
extraction means;
Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a tampon according to the present
invention;
Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of an assembly of an absorbent material and a
nonwoven
material according to the manufacturing steps for the manufacture of the
tampon from
Figure 2;
Fig. 4 shows a top view of the assembly from Figure 3;
Fig. 5 shows the assembly from Figure 3 in a rolled state;
Fig. 6 shows the assembly from Figure 5 having a distal end closed by the
nonwoven
material;
Figs. 7 through 10 show embodiments of a tampon according to the present
invention having
the distal end coated or covered by a watertight or hydrophobic material.
First, it is to be noted that in the differently described embodiments, same
parts are provided
by the same reference characters or the same component designation, and the
disclosures
included in the total description may analogously be applied to the same parts
having the
same reference characters or the same component denotations. The positional
information
selected in the description, such as top, bottom, lateral, etc. are in
reference to the directly
described and illustrated figure and this positional information is to be
appropriately
transferred to the new position when the position is changed.
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The exemplary embodiments show possible variant embodiments of the tampon
according to
the present invention, at this point it being noted that the present invention
is not limited to the
specifically illustrated variant embodiments of the present invention, but
that rather a diverse
combination of the individual variant embodiments among one another is also
possible and
that these possible variations, owing to the technical teachings by the
present invention, are
part of the technical skill set of those skilled in the arts in this field.
Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from the shown
and described
different exemplary embodiments may also illustrate independent, inventive
solutions or
solutions according to the present invention.
The object underlying the individual inventive solutions may be concluded from
the
description.
All information regarding value ranges in the present description are to be
understood in such
a way that these value ranges include any and all subranges, for example, the
specification 1
through 10 is to be understood in such a way that all subranges, starting from
the lower limit 1
to the upper limit 10 are included, that is, all subranges starting at a lower
limit 1 or greater
and ending at an upper limit 10 or less, for example, 1 through 1.7, or 3.2
through 8.1, or 5.5
through 10.
According to Figure 2, a tampon 1 according to the present invention includes
an absorbent
body made from an absorbent material 6, for example absorbent cotton. Tampon 1
has a
proximal end 2 and a distal end 3 and a middle part extending between proximal
end 2 and
distal end 3. It is advantageous if tampon 1 at proximal end 2 is configured
in a rounded or
beveled manner.
An extraction means 5 connected to the absorbent body is situated at distal
end 3. A covering
made from a strip 4 of a nonwoven material completely covering, with the
exception of a
pass-through opening for extraction means 5, denoted by reference character 13
in Figure 6,
distal end 3 is disposed at its distal end 3. Preferably, pass-through opening
13 has a diameter
which is substantially equal to a diameter of extraction means 5. The covering
prevents a
telescoping of the tampon and that fibers escape at distal end 3. In this way,
Figure 1 in an
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exemplary manner illustrates how a conventional tampon may be drawn apart
(telescoped)
when pulling at extraction means 5. In this instance, a winding of a strip 6
made from an
absorbent material, which is connected to extraction means 5, is drawn apart
in the
longitudinal direction, as a result of which conventional tampons may unravel.
The middle part of tampon 1 may be cylindrically configured. It is however
also possible that
at least the middle part is frustoconically configured. The cylinder or cone
or frustum may
however also extend continuously from the proximal end to the distal end. For
all mentioned
spatial shapes of tampon 1, any cross-sectional changes over the length of
tampon 1 are
possible, for example, a wave-shaped contour or recesses extending at least
over a portion of
the circumference and/or in the longitudinal direction.
A further advantageous embodiment provides that at least the middle part of
tampon 1 is
provided with recesses or grooves extending in the longitudinal direction of
the middle part,
and/or that the recesses or grooves extend in the direction of the
longitudinal center axis of
tampon 1 in a wave-shaped manner, preferably extending at a consistent height
of the
amplitude, as a result of which the surface of tampon 1 is enlarged, making an
increased
absorption of bodily fluid possible. An even greater surface for the
absorption of fluid may be
achieved in that the grooves or recesses extend in a spiral-shaped or helical
manner.
In a method according to the present invention for the manufacture of tampon 1
shown in
Figure 2, according to Figures 3 and 4, strip 4 made from nonwoven material is
positioned on
a strip 6 made from an absorbent material, a part 8 of strip 4 protruding over
a narrow side 7
of strip 6 made from absorbent material. Furthermore, strip 4 is positioned on
strip 6 in such a
way that it also protrudes over a longitudinal edge 10 of strip 6. A section
11 of strip 4
protruding over longitudinal edge 10 of strip 6, in this instance, is selected
to be of such size
that, after rolling up strips 4 and 6 into a roll 9, an end face 12 of this
roll 9 may be
completely covered by protruding section 11, as it is shown in Figure 5 and 6.
In this instance,
the used nonwoven material has a weight per unit area of at least 6 g/m2, in
particular however
between 12 and 30 g/m2. Instead of the nonwoven material, a fluid pervious
foil made from
plastic material may be used. The foil may be rendered fluid pervious, for
example, by
inserting perforations.
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The absorbent construction of strip 6 may be produced in a plurality of sizes
and shapes and
from a plurality of fluid-absorbent materials.
Of course, it is desirable that absorbent materials are used, which include a
minimum content
of soluble foreign materials because the product remains in the body for a
certain amount of
time. Retained soluble foreign materials could pose a safety risk if toxic,
irritant or cause
sensitivity.
A list of useable materials includes materials including cellulose, for
example, rayon, cotton,
cellulose, cellulose wadding, tissue laminates, sphagnum, bamboo and
chemically reinforced,
modified or cross-linked cellulose fibers; synthetic materials, for example,
polyester fibers,
polyolefin fibers, absorbent foams, for example an elastically resilient
polyurethane foam,
absorbent sponges, extremely absorbent polymers, absorbent gel-forming
materials, processed
fibers, such as capillary channel fibers and fibers having several members,
for example; and
synthetic fibers or an equivalent material or combinations of materials or
mixtures thereof.
If using such synthetic foams, it is also possible, for example by setting a
specific temperature
for the manufacture of the absorbent body, to partially close the outer skin,
that is, to achieve
a closed skin in the external region owing to a partial temperature effect. In
so doing, an
escaping of fluid absorbed in the foam structure is additionally made more
difficult or is
prevented. Such a configuration may be advantageous, in particular in the
proximal end
region 4 of tampon 1.
Within the scope of the present invention, the manufacture of tampon I may be
carried out by
a broad range of materials which maintain, under the conditions prevailing in
the region of the
vagina and the uterus, that is, at body temperatures a pH value of
approximately 4, their
condition over a longer period of time, and which do not give off toxic
substances or solutions
damaging to the mucous membranes or the like. Advantageously, materials such
as flexible
polyurethane foams having a very low volumetric weight and a predominantly
open-celled
structure may be used for strip 6. Using a more absorbent material further
reduces the risk of
leaking fluid. Another advantage of such foamed structures is that the open
cells in the
delivered state or before being introduced into the vagina can be filled with
medicaments or
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lubricants which can be discharged to the mucous membranes of the vagina and
uterus when
inserted.
Furthermore, it is advantageous if the materials used for the nonwoven
material are bio-
degradable and, for example, are made from PLA or other bio-degradable plastic
materials or
plastic compounds and/or from filaments or fibers made from or recycled from
plastic
materials, such as R-PP, R-PET or the like, and optionally are formed from
these materials in
different mixtures or as multi-layered parts.
Preferably, strip 6 has a length 1, the size of which stemming from a value
range, which has a
lower limit of 150 mm and an upper limit of 400 mm. Strip 4 has a length c,
the size of which
stemming from a value range, which has a lower limit of 50 mm and an upper
limit of 250
mm. Preferably, strip 4 is positioned in such a way that it protrudes over
longitudinal edge 10
of strip 6 at least by a width b, which substantially equates to the radius of
roll 9.
According to a preferred embodiment, strip 6 has a length 1 of 255 mm, part 8
having a length
a of 30 mm and strip 4 having a total length c of 127 mm. In this instance,
section 11 has a
width b of 30 mm.
Moreover, a total width of strip 4 may be greater than a total width of strip
6. Particularly
preferably, strip 4 is positioned on strip 6 in such a manner that strip 4
extends over at least
three quarters of the width of strip 6, as it is shown in Figures 3 and 4.
After positioning strip 4 on strip 6, strip 4 is connected to strip 6. The
connection of strips 4
and 6 may be carried out, for example, by welding, adhesive bonding, sewing or
any other
form suitable for connecting.
In a further step, an extraction means 5, for example a filament or a string,
is attached to strip
6 made from absorbent material. Preferably, strip 6 is looped by extraction
means 5, as it is
shown in Figures 2 and 3. Then, strips 4 and 6 are wound onto roll 9. In this
instance, the
direction of winding is selected in such a manner that strip 4 covers a
section of a lateral shell
surface of roll 9, such as it is, for example, shown in Figure 5.
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Protruding part 8 of strip 4 is, by a section 15 of strip 4 connected to a
strip 6, connected into
a closed ring, for example, by welding and/or adhesive bonding and/or sewing.
A distal end of roll 9, from which extraction means 5 projects, is, with the
exception of pass-
through opening 13 for extraction means 5, completely covered by protruding
section 11 of
strip 4. Subsequently, protruding section 11 of strip 4 is connected to form a
closed sleeve
completely covering the distal end, except for pass-through opening 13.
Particularly preferably, covering the distal end of roll 9 by protruding
section 11 of strip 4
occurs while the extraction means 5 is elongated. Covering the distal end of
roll 9 may be
carried out by bending or folding a circumferential edge region 14 of
protruding section 11 in
the direction towards the elongated extraction means 5, and pass-through
opening 13 is left
unobstructed or the extraction means, before being folded on the end face of
the roll, is passed
through protruding section 11. This, for example, may be carried out with the
aid of a needle,
to which the extraction means is fastened. Sections of protruding section 11
touching one
another then may be connected to one another, for example by welding, sewing
or adhesive
bonding so that a closed covering results. In this embodiment, it is
advantageous if section 11
is at least approximately equal to a radius of roll 9.
Alternatively or additionally to the variation mentioned in the last
paragraph, section 11 of
strip 4 for generating the closed sleeve could also be connected to section 15
made from
nonwoven material, which is situated at the lateral shell surface of the roll.
If width b of
section 11 is slightly greater than the diameter of roll 9, an area of section
11 may be folded
over entire distal end face 12 of roll 9 and be connected to section 15. In so
doing, it has been
proven to be advantageous if the part of section 11 folded over the end face
of roll 9 has an
opening, for example in the form of a slot, for passing through extraction
means 5.
Roll 9 shown in Figure 6, which has the covering of the distal end in the form
of a closed
sleeve made from a nonwoven or from nonwoven material 4 represents a preform,
which
subsequently is, in the manufacturing steps known per se, for example pressing
and
compacting in a press, further processed into tampon 1, as shown in Figure 2.
Alternatively or
additionally to covering the distal end by a nonwoven material, the distal end
may also be
= =
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covered by a fluid pervious foil made from plastic material. Covering the
distal end
implements a leakage protection.
In this way, a tampon according to the present invention has a significantly
greater pass-
through time for a fluid than a conventional tampon has. In Table 1, results
for the tampon,
determined according to the EDANA Standard Test WSP 350.1.R3(12), are compared
to one
another having or not having a covering at the distal end. The same test
requirements were
selected for all tampons to produce comparable findings. In this test, the
time until the first
drop of the test fluid, the so-called Syngina fluid, reaches the ground, was
measured.
Table 1:
Nonwoven 14g/m2 Nonwoven 12g/m2
With covering Means: 14 min. 59 sec. Means: 15 min. 48 sec.
Without covering Means: 13 min. 46 sec. Means: 15 min. 02 sec.
Improvement of the leakage 8.84% 5.1 %
protection as a percentage
According to Figure 7, tampon 1 at its distal end may be provided with a
watertight or
hydrophobic coating 16. Coating 16 may be implemented by dampening or soaking
the distal
end of tampon 1 using an impregnation liquid, for example, a lacquer, wax,
resin, etc.
As shown in Figure 7, coating 16 may completely cover the distal end, or, as
shown in Figure
8, partially cover the distal end. In Figure 8, the coating is denoted by
reference character 17.
The coating of tampon 1 by watertight or hydrophobic coating 16, 17 may be
carried out
independently from the other manufacturing steps of tampon 1 and individually
constitute the
subject of an invention.
According to Figure 9, the distal end may also be formed using a covering 18
made from a
water impervious or hydrophobic material. As shown in Figure 9, covering 18
may be
manufactured as a sleeve, which also includes the side areas of tampon 1;
however, the
greater part of the side areas of the tampon are not covered.
CA 02988238 2017-12-04
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According to Figure 10, covering 19 made from water impervious or hydrophobic
material
may also only cover the distal end without including the side areas of tampon
1. In this case,
covering 19 is implemented as a disk.
It is advantageous if the materials used for coverings 18, 19 are bio-
degradable and, for
example, are formed from PLA or other bio-degradable plastic materials or
plastic compounds
and/or from filaments or fibers made from or recycled from plastic materials,
such as R-PP,
R-PET or the like, and optionally are formed from these materials in different
mixtures or as
multi-layered parts.
Providing tampon 1 with watertight or hydrophobic coverings 18 and 19 also may
be carried
out independently from the other manufacturing steps of tampon 1 and
individually constitute
the subject of an invention.
Coverings 18, 19 may be directly applied to strip 4 (for example by welding,
adhesive
bonding or sewing). Strip 4 may be applied before or after step i).
For the record, in conclusion it is to be noted that, for a better
understanding of the
composition of the tampon, the tampon or its components are in part
illustrated in a manner
not to scale and/or in an enlarged and/or reduced manner.
I
= =
' CA 02988238 2017-12-04
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List of reference characters:
1 tampon
2 proximal end
3 distal end
4 strip made from nonwoven material
extraction means
6 strip made from absorbent material
7 narrow side
8 part of the strip made from nonwoven
material
9 roll
longitudinal edge
11 protruding section
12 end face of the roll
13 pass-through opening
14 edge region
section of the strip made from
nonwoven material
16 coating
17 coating
18 covering
19 covering
a length
b width
c total length
1 length
